The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 6

Zachary's naive yet blunt words pierced my heart like a needle.

In his moment of illness and vulnerability, he was still thinking of the woman who had caused him to become sick.

I looked down at him.

He was clearly exhausted after his stomachache, as he had fallen asleep again after saying that.

Steven must have heard Zachary's words, too. He took my hand. "Honey."

I felt no inclination to respond. I instinctively wanted to pull away.

However, Steven tightened his grip, not allowing me to withdraw. "Today was just an accident. Mom acted without consulting us, and Zachary was sick. He didn't mean what he said."

"I can understand him," I replied, holding Zachary as I started to walk toward the exit. "He likes Jessica now. Of course, he's going to think she's wonderful."

After a pause, I continued, "Since I banned him from contacting her, his resistance will be strong at first. But Zachary isn't a bad kid. I'll guide him back to understanding who truly cares for him. "But I hope you can keep your word. I can overlook today's incident as a mistake, but I don't want there to be a next time."

As I spoke, I stopped.

Fearing I would tire myself, Steven took Zachary from my arms. "I promise that I'll do better, honey."

I looked at the sleeping child in Steven's arms and fell silent.

...

Steven parked the car when we arrived home. Seeing Zachary peacefully asleep, I didn't want to wake him up.

Just as I was about to carry him inside, Steven was already standing by the passenger door. His voice was soft as he said, "I'll do it."

Then, he effortlessly lifted Zachary with one hand while extending the other toward me.

I

casting a warm glow over his tall frame and handsome features, making him seem almost like a celestial being.

taking his hand and stepping out of the car.

gently placed

warm water to his room. Steven helped

up even as I finished drying him off and dressed him in his

that, Steven simply smiled indulgently. He tossed the towel into the basin and left

seated at the edge of

recently. Whenever we spoke, he grew impatient and lashed out before I could even respond calmly. The only times we seemed to coexist peacefully were when he was asleep. "Honey." Steven approached and bent

neck and

with his elbow and closed Zachary's bedroom door. "Do you remember what we said before heading to the

the hospital. But I remembered everything once we

about how Jessica was already causing trouble for Zachary even before Steven and I had divorced. What would

I couldn't let our family fall

raced with these thoughts. I struggled to remember what had happened before going to the

Steven closed the bedroom door. He cradled my face and brushed

tone of intimacy that heightened the night's

was playful as

me, but I wasn't about to let him win. "Hmm... I still can't

Steven's eyes, my reflection

like a waterfall over the white sheets. My cheeks, flushed from our kiss, glowed with a vibrant charm. Steven swallowed hard. "Then, I guess

...

of the day, compounded by exhaustion that night, weighed heavily on

just been admitted to the hospital due to stomach issues. He obviously needed careful

to rise early

make the oatmeal softer and more mushy. I started by boiling water on high heat, then switched to low to let it simmer. Glancing at the clock, I noted that it was still early-only a little past 5:00 am. I decided to

cleaned and chopped everything. I only started

vegetables, and the other was